11 April 2025
Nigeria has unveiled ambitious plans to generate more than $200 billion each year by regulating and licensing space operations, as part of a broader strategy to develop a competitive space sector within the country.
Chief Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, made this announcement during a workshop focused on space regulation, spectrum management, and licensing held in Abuja.
The initiative is viewed as a critical step toward bolstering the Nigerian space industry and fostering substantial economic growth. Minister Nnaji explained that the new regulatory framework would not only benefit the space sector directly but also enable the country to harness significant financial resources for broader development initiatives.
Nnaji highlighted that companies like Starlink, which currently pay minimal fees for space services, will soon be subject to more stringent regulations. He anticipates that under this new strategy, Nigeria’s annual revenue could surpass $200 billion, with growth rates of 18-20% year-on-year.
“Our task is to ensure a clear, regulated ecosystem where both public and private players can thrive, fostering a space sector that drives innovation, attracts investments, and delivers real impact for our people,” said Nnaji.
As part of this effort, the government, through the National Space Council, is working to enhance the National Space Policy to encompass essential components of modern space activities. Dr. Matthew Adepoju, the Director-General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), indicated that the workshop's objectives include implementing existing legislation and ensuring compliance with both national and international space laws.
Adepoju emphasized the potential for a structured licensing framework to significantly increase revenue from satellite launches and data services, which could be pivotal for the country’s aspirations in the global space economy.
Senior counsel Olisa Agbakoba underscored the importance of Nigeria establishing a robust regulatory framework to secure a stake in the projected $1 trillion global space economy expected by 2030. He stressed that effective regulations are essential not only for compliance but also for attracting investments and advancing the nation’s technological capabilities.
As Nigeria embarks on this pivotal journey towards expanding its presence in the space sector, the government aims to create an environment conducive to growth and innovation, positioning itself to leverage the burgeoning global space market for economic advancement.
